The Tribune

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Chief Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Free National Movement Chairman Michael Pintard yesterday distanced himself from advertisements that indicated he was seeking to reclaim his post at the party’s convention.

Emphatically stating that he was committed to building the party’s base in Grand Bahama, Mr Pintard maintained that he did not intend to run for any position.

Party nominations closed yesterday, with voting expected to start on Friday at the Melià hotel. Mr Pintard did not receive a nomination on the convention floor.

“In recent weeks a number of delegates and supporters of our party have asked me to once again offer for chairman of the Free National Movement,” said Mr Pintard in a post on Facebook.

“Consistently I have indicated that my focus is helping the party in general and concentrating on our campaign in Grand Bahama. While I appreciate the support being offered to me I wish to say simply and clearly say that it is not my intention to offer for any position in the upcoming convention.”

Mr Pintard said: “I’m not directly or indirectly responsible for any advertisement being circulated about my participation in convention elections. I will continue to support my party as we unify and seek to lead efforts to build a strong, wholesome and prosperous country.”

Mr Pintard resigned as the party’s chairman and as a senator in late March over concerns about his involvement in the contentious court action against Canadian fashion designer Peter Nygard that alleged the Lyford Cay billionaire had orchestrated a murder-for-hire plot against opposing activists.

Mr Pintard was named as being the person who uncovered the alleged murder-for-hire plot after meeting with “gang members” Livingston “Toggie” Bullard and Wisler “Bobo” Davilma in early 2015.

The billionaire fashion designer - Mr Louis Bacon’s neighbour - fired back with his own allegations and filed court documents that claim Bullard and Davilma were paid for “false testimony” against him.

The controversy heightened when FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis later admitted to The Tribune that he met with one of the criminals involved in the alleged plot - Bullard - three times. Dr Minnis maintained that he did not discuss Mr Nygard and had no prior knowledge of the investigation with which Mr Pintard was involved.

Mr Pintard has maintained that his resignation was important to allow the public to focus on the issues and not an FNM official, and served to rob the PLP of having the ability to use him as a distraction.

Yesterday, he told The Tribune that he had no interest in the chairman’s post despite the outpouring of support. He pointed to the significant strides made by his non-profit relief group Light And Water Now (LAWN).

“I can only assess based on what persons have said. I’ve sought to hold the Progressive Liberal Party (to account), in terms of organisational skill and managing the day-to-day events. But right now I’m focused on laying the foundation in Grand Bahama for reform, for true relief.

“We have put in place funding for the construction of bathrooms in houses with no running water, refurbishing a couple homes. So far we have done one off East Street, and a second home in Marco City. Wherever people need assistance, we will take applications.”

Mr Pintard added: “Priority categories are indigent or senior citizens, and single mothers with multiple children. We are grateful to all the persons that have come on board to make contributions to the fund in cash and kind.”